THE PORTAL HUB - Pinzgauers, Haflingers, Volvo 303s and more!

Guys, I just got a very clean and great running 78-79 710M. Everything works on it, runs perfect, but I have a small problem going on. I recently noticed that there is an oil leak ( small drops ) coming from the 1st and 2nd cylinder (valve cover gaskets), it is not very bad, just a couple of drops a minute. I believe that changing the gaskets and new shock absorbers are the only things I have to fix on this pinz.

Can anyone give me some directions as far as changing the valve cover gaskets? (Already bought them from SAV)
I believe that is something I could do myself, just need some tips and directions.


Thank You all for your help,

Easy job. Remove the in-cab engine cover and the bolts securing the valve cover are readily accessible. I had a similar leak and replacing the gasket took care of it.

Only attach one side..to the valve cover, not the block side.

Thank you for the prompt reply.
Im going to do this tomorrow morning.
Is there any specific torque pressure for the bolts?
Should I use some product on the gaskets or block side?
Do I need to sand the metal to take some of the old gasket or debry away?

I'll upload some pics tomorrow.

I did this for the first time a couple of months back. It wasn't very hard and I also used the cork/fiber gaskets from SAV. After removing the old gaskets it's a good idea to clean up both surfaces carefully with some very fine sandpaper if there is still any residue. I used Permatex Aviation sealant on the valve cover side of the gasket. Others have used High Tack sealant successfully too. Don't use anything on the block side.
As long as you have the covers off it might be a good time to adjust the valves too.
Valve cover nut should be torqued to 15 Nm according to the Service Manual appendix page 2.

Have fun and take your time.

the RS9000 are all nitrogen filled now and don't ride properly (bottom out way too easy). the Doetsch don't ride properly(very, very rough) and I have had to reseal them a number of times (front only). the Rs5000 that I have seen on most of the other trucks are holding up great. So by just simple elimination I voted for the RS5000's, they seem to be the best option so far (at least for those of us who use their trucks). The guys who do more highway driving than offroading don't report any issues with any of the shocks listed.

Does anyone know the bolt measurement on the valve cover heads? I have to purchase some tools and torque wrench.
Thank You

im very confused by this thread... is it about Shocks or valve cover gaskets?

Questions or comment about both in the first post. Probably should be separate.

Bolt is 8mm so acorn nut should be 13mm.

i see rancho shocks RS5000 series,, but can somebody tell me the exact part that fit the pinz, cause i see rancho RS5786, RS5118,RS5269,those are RS5000 SERIES....which one fits?? :?: :?:

http://www.pinzgauer.com/showdetails.ph ... no=SAV7500

I didn't see them listed on EI, but SAV does.

Yes, I should have separated the posts. I just thought it would be more practical to write a post about both of my problems. The Rancho RS5000 I have seen where from http://www.pinzgauer.com . I just finished changing the valve cover gaskets. It took me about 3 hours. I dont know if thats normal or I just wondered too much cleaning stuff and looking around. I have a couple of pictures I took with my phone, nothing great but it will show you what I did. I dont really have much mechanical experience but this was pretty simple to do. One of the best experiences with vehicles I had in my 24 years. Working on this Pinzgauer made me learn a lot, and I am glad I didnt take it to a mechanic to do all the work.

Some more pictures along the way.